Forum Discussion
this is incredibly frustrating. my roku was working perfectly fine an hour ago, and then it randomly forced me to update, it didn't give me the option to update later. i was forced to update; and now every single time i try, it says "can't update software. please try again later" and error 004. my network is excellent, been working perfectly fine the whole day. i'm watching youtube on my computer while typing this, it's solely a roku issue. and after the update fails, the screen is just blank and zero apps load, rendering the entire device completely useless. this is incredibly frustrating and the first time roku has disappointed me.
Getting an error 004 message.
I am forced to update with no other options-only to clink OK to Update
Gets to 82% and then goes to a blank screen-I cannot get the software level info or anything. I have hard-booted several times over several days-checked the internet connect, etc. (which is fine)-and nothing. Do I need purchase a new Roku device?
Roku Stick
SN # CT38DE088296
- Lolo2145 months agoNewbie
I am have this issue i cannot trouble shoot because I can't access any other screen once the error is timed out im left with a empty screen with Roku logo and time. I cannot change WiFi I cannot access the "secret menu" the only think i can do is unplug! Help please !
- Gilb5 months agoReel Rookie
Has anyone here found a solution?
- Rtsquirrel5 months agoChannel Surfer
I've been dealing with this for a month now. Failed Update bricks Roku Express.
Roku offers no Agent support. The best you can do is push and HOLD the reset button for 10 seconds. This will wipe the Roku. You'll have to re-reguster the device on your network AND reload the apps you want AND sign in again with all of the apps. This will only work for a couple days, then the Roku will BRICK itself again with the Failed Update.
It's terrible that we have to do it this way. This is one of the prices of Tech Bros getting so much power. Good Luck.
- Toni103 months agoNewbie
I am now having the same problem as Lolo214. Used my ROKU TV. earlier and it worked just fine. Now all I get is blank wallpaper and I am unable to access the Homescreen or Settings. I have reset my Modem and Router and my other devices are working fine.. Unplugged the TV and still no luck when I plugged it back in. I need help.
- makaiguy5 months agoCommunity Streaming Expert
dave492 -
When the update fails to complete here are some things that some people have found to work for them. They may not be universally successful, but they are at least worth a try
Easiest to try, so try this first: Restart your router, even if other devices on the network are not having problems. When your router has completed its startup, try repeating your Roku setup.
If you are powering your Roku by plugging into the USB port on the TV, try powering from house power via a USB power adapter, as some TV USB ports don't supply enough power to drive a Roku reliably. If your Roku didn't come with an adapter, or if you don't have a Roku adapter handy, another USB power adapter you have from another device should work as long as the fine print on it says it outputs at least vac at a minimum of 1 amp.
Try using a different WiFi network to do the update - perhaps via a WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone or by taking it to a friend's house - and see if it will complete the startup. If successful, then redo the WiFi connection to use your intended WiFi network via Settings > Network > Set up connection. Why this works, when it does, I haven't a clue.- ImNotARobot5 months agoNewbie
THIS WORKED FOR ME WITH MY Roku 3800R Streaming Stick from 2018:
1) I pulled the USB power cable from my SCEPTRE's (a nice, DUMB TV) USB port, and used the adaptor to plug into an AC outlet. Didn't change anything.
2) From the useless, spare "Roku / Time" screen displayed after failed updates, I was able to access the
UPDATE & RESET SECRET SCREEN:
HOME x 5
>> x 3
<< x 2
Tried "Cycle software update server" gave no feedback, so dunno if it did anything…also did the similar option just above it: "Cycle Streaming Store server" again, no feedback. After that, I selected "Update software"…don't recall whether I had to exit the screen, or if it just began doing its thing…was skeptical anything would work…it began downloading the update just the same as many times before, but THIS TIME, when it got near 85%, the "progress wheel" appeared for maybe one minute, then TV powered off & on, going through the similar system update machinations…often with no feedback & seemingly no change to the message on screen…I resisted the temptation to interrupt the process…and VOILA! It successfully did SOMETHING…couldn't really tell whether it updated the system or not (doesn't display enough decimal places where I looked, and didn't want to press my luck and break something), but at least I got back to the home screen and was able the use the Roku again…
- RokuJharra-Q5 months agoRetired Moderator
Thanks for letting us know about the update issue! we’re here to help!
For more details on what makaiguy mentioned, check out the detailed guide linked in this support article about How to Fix Roku Streaming Device Update issues. You can also try connecting your Roku device to a mobile hotspot.
If the issue persists, send us the device information, including the model, serial number, and OS version/build, which you can find by going to Settings > System > About.
Looking forward to your response.
Roku Community Team
- Rmac42005 months agoReel Rookie
Having same issue, but can’t give you the device information because it’s a blank screen, and you can’t get to the settings menu or any other menu on the screen. I’ve done all resets and nothing works. Internet is working perfectly fine, no network issues. Does Roku not support older devices after a certain point sending them in an endless un- updatable loop?
- billshoff25 months agoNewbie
I can't get to settings because everything is locked up. Any ideas?
Update: Factory Reset fixed all my issues. Thanks!
- RokuJharra-Q5 months agoRetired Moderator
Hey everyone!
We know some of you are running into error 004 after the update, and we want you to know our team is looking into the issue.
If you sent us your device information, don’t worry—it's been passed along. We’ll keep you in the loop as soon as we have updates.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Roku Community Team
- Rtsquirrel5 months agoChannel Surfer
WEAK!
- Rtsquirrel5 months agoChannel Surfer
That is likely what Roku expects. End user tires of intentional bricking of their unit & buys a new one.
Roku appreciates your willingness to give them more money.